PROMINENT Nigerians, including politicians, business leaders, and party executives, are now turning to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for personal protection following the withdrawal of over 11,566 police officers from VIP security duties nationwide.
News Point Nigeria reports that the mass recall ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marks one of the most extensive security reforms in years, aimed at redirecting overstretched police manpower to frontline communities battling rising insecurity, including recent kidnapping waves in Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and parts of the North-West.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, clarified that the withdrawal was not political or punitive but a strategic move to strengthen grassroots policing.
“In line with the President’s directive, we have withdrawn a total of 11,566 personnel from VIP protection,” he said. “These officers are being redeployed to critical policing duties immediately.”
He said the government could no longer justify assigning scarce officers to private individuals while rural areas face severe security threats.
“The withdrawal is not a retreat from responsibility, but a reclamation of it,” he stated.
The IGP warned of potential abuse, noting that criminals could impersonate law-enforcement operatives during the transition. The police, he said, will issue clearer guidelines soon.
Egbetokun also linked the decision to recent abductions in Kwara, Kebbi, and Niger, which have drawn national outrage despite police efforts.
He highlighted key operational successes in recent weeks, including: 451 armed robbery arrests, 356 kidnapping suspects, 534 murder suspects, 129 culpable homicide cases, 173 suspects arrested for unlawful possession of firearms, 312 rape suspects, 282 cultists, 6,094 arrests for other serious crimes, 249 firearms recovered and nearly 21,000 rounds of ammunition seized.
Despite the directive, investigations by this newspaper revealed that several officers have quietly returned to VIP postings.
A senior police source said: “Those on VIP duties are returning. I saw some of them today. Two are back in my office. But this time, I believe the directive will be effective.”
Prominent politicians whose escorts were withdrawn include: Prince Adewole Adebayo, former SDP presidential candidate and Samuel Anyanwu, suspended PDP National Secretary
Adebayo was spotted at a meeting in Abuja accompanied not by police but by NSCDC personnel and private guards.
Anyanwu confirmed the withdrawal: “I support the policy. Nigeria is short of police manpower. But the government should prioritise elder statesmen and national officers. I have applied to the NSCDC for manpower. I even prefer them because they are well trained.”
Reactions across the political landscape have been deeply divided.
APC South-East Vice Chairman, Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, warned that withdrawing escorts from high-risk officials could worsen insecurity.
“VIPs are prime targets, especially politicians. You cannot withdraw aides wholesale,” he said.
He complained about abuse of orderlies by wealthy individuals, noting: “Some traders move around with 10 police officers. That should stop.”
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Tim Osadolor, said Nigeria should emulate Europe where top officials move without heavy escorts.
“Let the president and all VIPs move around freely like in Amsterdam or Denmark,” he said.
Senator Ali Ndume expressed strong support, saying VIPs often abuse security privileges. “Some ministers have police attached to their wives and children. What is their business with that?” he asked.
He said he personally rejected the three officers assigned to him: “I insisted on only one orderly. The police are not to protect me.”
House Majority Leader Julius Ihonvbere said he cannot safely travel to his constituency without police protection.
“That road is a danger zone. This policy needs clear definition,” he insisted.